Answer:
F = 2009.64 N
Step-by-step explanation:
It is given that,
Mass of a baseball, m = 0.145 kg
Initial speed if the baseball, u = 33 m/s
It hit on a horizontal line drive straight back at the pitcher at 46.0 m/s, final velocity, v = -46 m/s
Time of contact between the bat and the ball is

We need to find the magnitude of the force exerted by the ball on the bat. It can be calculated using impulse-momentum theorem. So,

So, the magnitude of force exerted on the ball by the bat is 2009.64 N.