In sports (especially baseball), to remain sitting on the bench, rather than be an active participant in the game. Primarily heard in US. I'm not going to play next year if coach makes me ride the pine again this season.I rode the pine for the rest of the game after I pulled my hamstring sliding to first base.
and pine for someone or something; pine over someone or something
to long for or grieve for someone or something. Bob pined after Doris for weeks after she left.Dan is still pining for his lost dog.There is no point in pining over Claire.
To long or grieve intensely for someone or something: All summer he sat in the garden pining for his girlfriend back home. Many teachers pine for the days when students were better behaved.