He wrote "The Moral Aspects of Socialism", a tract published by the Fabians in 1896, and in 1907 was elected to the group's executive, with the support of H. G. Wells.
However, being based in Oxford, he found it difficult to attend regular meetings in London, and left the committee the next year.
[3] In 1895, Ball was a founding member of the Oxford University Fabian Society and remained a leading figure in the group until his death.
In 1909, he was expected to win election as president of St John's, but was defeated after controversy over his socialist views.
[3] He was also the treasurer of the Oxford Union, a strong supporter of Ruskin College, and served for several years on the Hebdomadal Council.