The Remarkable Journey of Cruz Roque-Vicens: From Soldier to Sports Editor
Born in July 1934 in Caguas, Puerto Rico, Cruz Roque-Vicens grew up in a family rooted in both discipline and athleticism—his mother was Aurora Vicens and his father, Cruz Roque-Rios, was a former professional boxer. A student at José Gautier Benítez High School, Roque-Vicens excelled in sports such as softball and track and field, ultimately graduating with a focus in bookkeeping.
His career began in bookkeeping, but he soon pursued service in the Army Reserve. Upon his acceptance to the University of Puerto Rico, he joined the ROTC program and later volunteered for active duty in 1954. Inducted at Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico, he completed his basic training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri.
Assigned to the 74th Engineer Company in Korea, Roque-Vicens initially worked in lumber and construction before transitioning to the Noncommissioned Officer School. There, he rose to the role of supply sergeant, demonstrating leadership and organizational skill.
After his military service ended in 1957, he returned to Puerto Rico and launched a successful career in sports journalism. At El Imparcial, a popular tabloid, he interviewed rising stars who would become legends—Roberto Clemente and Orlando Cepeda, both now enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
In 1961, Roque-Vicens was named sports editor at El Dia in Ponce, where he continued to champion baseball greats like MLB pitcher Luis Enrique “Tite” Arroyo and Negro leagues standout Francisco “Pancho” Coimbre Atiles. His career progressed to El Mundo, where he assumed the role of sports editor, a position he held until 1982.
By 1986, he had taken on the role of editor at El Vocero de Puerto Rico. Following his retirement in 1999, he embraced a spiritual calling, becoming ordained in the Church of the Nazarene. That same year, he was honored with induction into the Caguas Sports Hall of Fame.
Today, at 89 years old, Cruz Roque-Vicens lives in Cantaño, Puerto Rico, with his wife of 63 years. A proud father of five daughters and grandfather to nine, his life story is a testament to service, storytelling, and enduring passion for Puerto Rican sports.
Want more inspiring stories of military pioneers? Subscribe to our blog or follow us on social media!
