My son plays ball and asked me this. I’m guessing it has to do with the seams.
In: 1
You are correct to suspect the seams. The seams create a non uniform surface. When the ball is thrown at high velocity, it is most often imparted with a high spin rate (except knuckleball). The rotation of the ball causes the seams to created a regular disturbance and vibration of air molecules around the ball. We can then sense the vibrations as hearing a sizzle.
Edit: Think ground spinning fireworks.
[removed]