Bourque hit a home run in his first at-bat against the Expos in Montreal while playing for the Cubs.

Bourque made his professional debut in 1971 with the Cubs, and went on to play parts of three seasons with the franchise.

He had a successful minor league tenure, winning the American Association MVP in 1972 while playing with the Evansville Triplets.

Midway through the 1973 season, Chicago traded Bourque to the Oakland Athletics for fellow first baseman Gonzalo Marquez.

Oakland reacquired Bourque following the 1974 season, trading Dan Ford and a minor leaguer to the Twins.