A ball-style hitch safety connector apparatus with a spoon safety connector made, as well as alternative designs, is disclosed herein. In an embodiment a spoon element is secured on the underside of the hitch, the spoon element including a spoon- or cup-shaped portion along with a handle. This spoon element presses up on the bottom of the ball assembly, in particular the underside where the nut and bolt are located that secure the ball to in place.