<P> African Americans are a demographic minority in the United States . The first achievements by African Americans in various fields historically marked footholds, often leading to more widespread cultural change . The shorthand phrase for this is "breaking the color barrier". </P> <P> The world of sports generally is invoked in the frequently cited example of Jackie Robinson, who was the first African American of the modern era to become a Major League Baseball player, ending 60 years of segregated Negro Leagues . </P> <Ul> <Li> First African American baseball player in organized professional baseball: John W. "Bud" Fowler . </Li> </Ul> <Li> First African American baseball player in organized professional baseball: John W. "Bud" Fowler . </Li>

Who was the first african american to play professional sports