We have the equation of motion [tex]v^2=u^2+2as[/tex], where v i the final velocity, u is the initial velocity, a is the acceleration and s is the displacement
Here final velocity, v = 40m/s
Initial velocity, u = 0 m/s
Displacement s = 2 m
Substituting [tex]40^2=0^2+2*a*2\\ \\ a=400m/s^2[/tex]
So the baseball pitcher accelerates at 400m/[tex]s^2[/tex] to release a ball at 40 m/s.