Ota is known for pitching in the final of the 1969 National High School Baseball Championship.

He pitched 18 shutout innings on one of the most-watched TV programs in Japanese history.

[1] Before he graduated from high school, a book had been written about him and several TV documentaries had been aired.

A popular figure among women due to his blue eyes and overall appearance, Ota became an instant celebrity nationwide.

Overall in Nippon Pro Baseball the high school superstar was 58-85 with 4 saves and a 4.05 ERA.