Ichiro plans to play baseball so long he thinks he'll be dead before he gets into the Hall of Fame

At 42 years old, most would think Ichiro Suzuki is close to the end of his career. If he has his way, though, that's not going to be the case. Speaking to ESPN's Marly Rivera, the veteran outfielder thinks he can keep playing for another eight years ... at least!

Q: When do you think you will retire?

A: I want to keep playing until I am at least 50.

If Ichiro can keep playing that long, he'd become one of the oldest players in the history of baseball. The downside, if you want to call it that, is that the longer Ichiro plays, the longer he has to wait to get into the Hall of Fame. Ichiro himself thinks he might never get to see that day come!

Q: If you get into the Hall of Fame, the first player from any Asian country, what would that mean?

A: I really don't know. But I think you are eligible for the HOF ballot five years after you retire, so I think I will be dead by then [laughs]. I won't get to experience it.

Long live Ichiro. Here's hoping he gets to play as long as he wants and also gets to see the day he's recognized as one of the best players in the history of the sport.