Ralph E. Crosthwaite (November 13, 1935 – October 28, 1999) was an American basketball player who is best known for his collegiate career at Western Kentucky University (WKU) between 1954–55 and 1958–59.

[2] The 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m), 240 pound (109 kg) center made an immediate impact in his first season, averaging 16.8 points and 10.8 rebounds per game.

[2] He was named to the All-OVC Team for the third time in his career and was drafted by the National Basketball Association's Detroit Pistons in the fourth round (27th overall).

[2]He managed to average 20.8 points and 12.8 rebounds per game, and once again Crosthwaite led the nation field goal shooting percentage at 64.5%.

[2][3] He was selected to his fourth All-Conference team, but Western Kentucky finished 16–10 (8–4 OVC) and failed to qualify for a national postseason tournament.

[2] By scoring 2,000+ points and grabbing 1,000+ rebounds, Crosthwaite also joined an exclusive list of NCAA Division I men's basketball players to reach both milestones.